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Copyright for images remain with the respective photographers.
Acknowledgments
We are extremely indebted to the Kerala Forest Department for
providing permissions and to the staff of Shendurney WLS, Kollam, for the interest and cooperation shown in organizing the survey. The staff members of the sanctuary made the survey thoroughly enjoyable and productive. We are also thankful to all the
participants for their dedication and interest.
Text, design & layout by
Robin Abraham
Cover Photographs by
Robin Abraham

Summary

T

he Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kollam district, Kerala is one among the richest protected areas in terms of biodiversity in India. Several studies and assessments conducted in this
reserve have emphasised the area as leading in conservation value for endemic plants, birds and
fishes. But the amphibian fauna of the sanctuary had not been assessed in detail, till late. We carried out
a frog survey in the sanctuary between the years 2008 and 2011. Our surveys present the sanctuary to be
a leader in frog species richness and endemism. The survey also resulted in the description of four novel
frog species, first observed in the sanctuary. But, despite qualifying to be an area supporting exceptionally
rich biodiversity, multiple threats dog the sanctuary management. Issues like proposals for tourism initiatives, road widening, check-dam building and the presence of many private enclosures and plantations
within the sanctuary need to be addressed. We recommend that any activity that is not oriented towards
the conservation of wildlife should not be entertained within the sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundaries, since conserving
biodiversity is the prerequisite of the wildlife sanctuary.

and is contiguous with the 791 sq. km Kalakkad
-Mundunthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu. The
sanctuary was established in 1984 and lies in the
western part of the Agasthyamalai (Ashambu) hill
range, with an altitudinal span ranging from 92
m ASL at the base to 1,550 m ASL at Alwarkurichi
peak. The park is primarily a river valley surrounded
by rugged hills, characterized by steep peaks and
ravines. The annual average rainfall for this region
is approximately 2,882mm. The Shendurney valley
and the catchment drainages of the Kallada irrigation project on the Kallada River, upstream of the
Parappar (Thenmala) dam, fall within the boundaries of this protected area. The drainage comprises
of the major tributaries of Shendurney, Kazhuthuruthy and Kulathupuzha, and minor tributaries such
as the Parappar, Uruliar, Pasmankandamthodu, Aruviar and Umayar within the sanctuary, all together
form the Kallada River. Kazhuthuruthy river originates outside the sanctuary, flowing through the
north, before joining the Shendurney River at the
dam. The other main tributary, the Kulathpuzha
River, flows through the Kulathupuzha valley to the
south of the Shendurney Valley.
The major vegetation types found here are low
elevation evergreen forests (Hopea rachophloea Humboldtia facies of the Dipterocarpus indicus - Dipterocarpus bourdilloni - Strombosia ceylanica type),
medium elevation evergreen forests (Cullenia exarillata - Mesua ferrea - Palaquium ellipticum - Gluta travancorica type), Nageia wallichiana facies, reeds of
Ochlandra spp., Myristica swamps, secondary moist
deciduous forests (Lagerstroemia microcarpa - Tectona grandis - Dillenia pentagyna type) and rubber
plantations (Ramesh et al. 1997 a). Shendurney is
named after the highly localized endemic tree species Gluta travancorica, locally known as ‘chenkurinji’, typical to low elevation (<700 m) evergreen
forests. At least 951 species of flowering plants in
118 families have been recorded here, including
309 Western Ghats endemic species. Additionally,
at least 100 rare and threatened species of plants
occur in the sanctuary, which is also the type locality of many plant species described from the region.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Kerala’s Kol- Shendurney is also home to a special ecosystem exlam district between the latitudes of 8°48’22.25”N isting only in some corners of the Western Ghats,
and 8°58’6.06”N and the longitudes of 77°4’44.76”E namely the Myristica swamps. Some members of
and 77°15’49.32”E. It covers an area of 171 sq. km Myristicaceae, a primitive family of flowering plants,
ndia qualifies as one of the top ten mega-diversity countries in the world, holding a significant percentage of global biological diversity.
However, the biological wealth of India is still vastly
underexplored except for the larger animals and
flowering plants. Of the vertebrates, the lower vertebrates are the least studied and understood, but
amphibians have recently been gaining attention.
During the colonial period, zoologists and naturalists from Europe made the first systematic attempts
to survey and document the amphibians of India.
Though centuries have passed, we are still dependent on the literature and repositories prepared by
these early experts, since few intensive field surveys
have followed since then.
The amphibian fauna of the world comprises of
more than 6600 species (Frost, 2006). Of these, 346
species are known to occur in India and 180 from
Western Ghats (Aravind and Gururaja 2010, Biju et
al. 2011, Dinesh et al. 2009, Zachariah et al. 2011).
The Western Ghats mountain range of India,
which is one among 34 global biodiversity hotspots
(Mittermeier et al. 2004), is a repository for much of
India’s endemic amphibian diversity, hosting several
endemic species, genera and even families. But, the
diversity levels of amphibians increase consistently
towards the southern parts of this mountain range.
The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) is located in the southernmost sub-range of the Western Ghats known as the Agasthyamala Hills. The
park has substantial areas of diverse vegetation
types including grasslands, evergreen rainforests
and montane forests with perennial water sources
constituting an ideal abode for an exceptionally
rich and varied amphibian fauna. Current information on the amphibians of the sanctuary is rather
meager. Hence we carried out a pilot assessment of
the amphibian fauna of the sanctuary, focusing on
frogs with the help of naturalists and scientists from
various parts of Kerala from the year 2008 to 2011.

Study area

that are adapted to living in waterlogged conditions,
dominate the Myristica swamps. These swamps are
one of the known centers of endemism in the Western Ghats.
Prior to the 1960s, no information was available
to the scientific world about this special kind of ecosystem. Myristica swamps are seen in wet valleys in
the evergreen forests. Species such as Gymnacranthera canarica and Myristica fatua var. magnifica are
exclusive to the swamps. The trees in the swamps
have special adaptations such as knee-roots that
protrude into the air from the flooded substratum.
Another critical and important habitat for several organisms is the Reed Brake. These habitats are
composed primarily of a small kind of bamboo belonging to the genus Ochlandra. These reed brakes
occur extensively towards the higher wind-prone
areas of the sanctuary. The reeds are important to
animals ranging from elephants to miniscule frogs.
At least 5 species of frogs have been recorded to be
closely associated to reed brakes, dependent on the
reeds for one or more stages of their life cycle.
It is understood that among the sanctuaries of
the Agasthyamalai Hills, Shendurney WLS has the
highest conservation value index, based on a Biodiversity Gap Analysis. Nearly 60% of the sanctuary
is covered by wet evergreen forests with high levels
of plant species richness and endemism (55% each)
(Ramesh et al. 1997 b).
Shendurney has also been designated as an Important Bird Area owing to the presence of three
globally threatened species; the Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanii), Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola)
and Nilgiri Wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii),
and also because of the presence of 10 of 16 bird
species that are endemic to the Western Ghats. It
also holds eight of 15 species whose distributions

are largely or wholly confined to the Indian Peninsula, in the Tropical Moist Forest biome (Islam and
Rahmani 2004). A total of 245 species have been
recorded here. Records of nesting colonies of River
Tern (Sterna aurantia) and small Indian Pratincole
(Glareola lactea) have been made from this site.
Recent bird surveys reported nesting of the Lesser
Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis) in the sanctuary.
Till recently this bird was supposed to be confined
to the Himalayan foothills. The sanctuary is also an
important wintering site for long distance migrants
such as the Tickellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leaf Warbler (Phylloscopus affinis), Large-billed Leaf Warbler (P. magnirostris), Blueheaded Rock Thrush (Monticola cinclorhynchus) and
Rufous-tailed Flycatcher (Muscicapa ruficauda) (Islam and Rahmani 2004).
Along with the other contiguous rainforest areas
in the Agasthyamalai region, the Shendurney valley
forms one of the most important areas in the Western Ghats for the conservation of the endemic Liontailed Macaque (Macaca silenus). Other endemic
mammals found here include Nilgiri Langur (Trachypithecus johnii), Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus)
and Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica). Globally threatened landscape species such as the Tiger
(Panthera tigris) and Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) are also found here.
This sanctuary has had some disturbance in the
past due to selective logging and reed collection
in the lower reaches, although the rainforests at
higher elevations have been left relatively undisturbed (Nair 1991). The total area of the enclosures
within the sanctuary is 5.8 sq. km of estates belonging to Rosemala, Kallar and Rockwood estates. An
irrigation lake formed by daming the river is a major landscape element in the area. There also exists
collection of minor forest produce, even though

Map of Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, showing the main sampling locations

primarily on elevation gradient and forest types;
there are no tribal settlements inside the sanctuary
(MoEF 2006, Islam and Rahmani 2004). In more re1. Kattilappara: Lowland Myristica swamp and
cent years, the sanctuary has been under threat from
surrounding areas
proposals of widening of access roads and construc2.
Rockwood Estate: Evergreen forests intertion of buildings inside estates, especially inside the
spersed with plantations, at elevations of 700 +
Kallar area, primarily for tourism purposes. There
m ASL, on the southern part of the sanctuary
have also been proposals to introduce exotic fishes
3. Pandimotta: Hilltop/montane evergreen forfor culture in the dam reservoir too, which is sure to
ests with reed brakes at a height of more than
have a negative impact on the aquatic young ones
1200m ASL
of several endemic frogs and caecilians.The pres4. Rosemala & Kallar Estates: Evergreen forests
ence of the dam reservoir, along with the enclosed
interspersed with plantations, from around
450m ASL in the northern part of the sanctuary
private plantation estates within the sanctuary has
5. Surrounding Areas: Areas in between Kattilapreduced natural forest cover in the past.
para, Pandimotta, Kallar, Thenmala dam and the
The objectives of the our investigations were to
deer park site
list the frog species within the sanctuary and also
make estimates of their abundance in different
Overall population was approximately esparts of the sanctuary.
timated during the survey by using direct encounter or indirect evidences like vocalizations,
egg clutch, etc. The following abundance categories were also attempted during the survey;

Methodology

Shendurney WLS is known for its network of
streams, varied vegetation types and altitudinal gradients; hence the frog community is also expected
to vary accordingly across different elevations and
microhabitats in the sanctuary (see Appendix II).
Sampling was carried out in selected sites by walking
and searching in streams, pools, swamps and forest
edges, both during day and night. Visual-encounter
method and indirect evidences like vocalizations,
presence of eggs, road-kills, etc. were considered
for assessing the species diversity of the area. The
following sites were selected for sampling, based

A team of nature enthusiasts from various parts
of Kerala (see Appendix III) participated in the survey
from 8 -10th August 2009. Species were noted and
recorded by Robin Abraham separately, between
2009 and 2011. The classification and nomenclature
followed is that of Frost (2009).

Fig.1. Breakup of
frog families with
representative species occurring in the
Shendurney WLS

Families not recorded in this survey
but potentially exist in the sanctuary

Results & Discussion
A total of 45 species of frogs under 15 genera,
belonging to 8 families were recorded during the
survey. Family Rhacophoridae dominated with 20
species, followed by Nyctibatrachidae (6 spp.), Dicroglossidae (4 spp.), Bufonidae (4 spp.), Ranixalidae
(4 spp.), Micrixalidae (3 spp.) and two species each
from the families Ranidae and Microhylidae (Fig.1).
Additional families that could be represented in the
sanctuary are Maelanobatrachidae and Nasikabatrachidae, even though the present survey did not
yield these species. This is also because of the sampling areas being restricted to a handful of sites
close to field camps or base stations, all sampled in
a limited timeframe.
We recorded the anuran species over a period of
three years from 2008 to 2011. Many bushfrog species described between 2000 to 2011, such as Pseudophilautus kani, Raorchestes chotta, R. nerostegona,
R. graminirupus, R. anili (Biju and Bossyut, 2009), R.
crustai and R. johnceei were well distributed in various habitats in the sanctuary. Many species were also
unidentifiable during the survey. These were found
to be hitherto undocumented species. The Myristica swamps in the lowest reaches of the sanctuary
are an ideal breeding ground for some Nyctibatrachus species. Several clutches of eggs with guarding adults of Nyctibatrachus aliciae were also noted
on leaves of a Lagenandra sp. at the swamps. Hill
stream habitats of Rockwood are an ideal haunt for

Fig. 2. Species
diversity across
sampling sites in
Shendurney WLS

the torrent frog Micrixalus, an endemic genus of the
southern Western Ghats. At the same time, the reed
brakes (Ochlandra spp.) in the higher reaches of the
sanctuary also harbour good breeding and foraging sites for many species of bushfrogs. The greatest
species diversity (22 spp.) was noted at Pandimotta
and the lowest species diversity (16 spp.) was recorded at Kattilapara and Rockwood estate (Fig.2).
A site wise elaboration of frog species diversity is
given below;
1. Kattilappara
The Myristica swamps at Kattilappara and its
environs provide an ideal habitat for several frog
species. A good population of breeding Nyctibatrachus aliciae was noted alongside all marshy areas.
Despite having a relatively low diversity of 16 species, compared to other areas of the sanctuary, the
swamps support some unique and evolutionarily
distinct frogs.
Sl. No.

Sampling in the swamps of Kattilappara
Photo: Jafer Palot
2. Rockwood Estate
Degraded evergreen patches, secondary forests,
intact primary forests and hill streams, all around
the Rockwood estate form an ideal haunt for many
species of frogs. A fairly good number of Pseudophilautus kani and Raorchestes nerostagona were heard
calling during the night survey. Mating pairs of Micrixalus fuscus were also noted on the boulders of
torrential streams. The most abundant species were
P. kani, Fejervarya keralensis and Micrixalus fuscus.
Overall, 16 species were recorded in the estate and
forests here.
Sl. No

Status
Common
Common
Rare
Common
Common
Abundant
Common
Abundant
Common
Rare
Rare
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common

Remarks

Breeding

Recording frogs at degraded evergreen forest
patch near Rockwood estate. Photo: Jafer Palot
3. Pandimotta
The reed brakes and stunted trees found here,
provides good habitat for several bush frogs, many
of which are endemic and threatened. Populations
of Nyctibatrachus beddomii and Duttaphrynus beddomii, were also sighted in the higher elevations.
The area forms one of the most important centres
of diversity and endemism for several frog species.
Sl. No

Status
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Rare
Common
Rare
Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Rare
Rare
Common
Rare
Rare
Rare
Common
Rare
Common

Remarks

Breeding

Â

5. Surrounding Areas
Localities like Deer park, Thenmala damsite,
Thenmala butterfly park, Kallar estates and the road
between Kallar to Pandimotta area were also surveyed for frogs, but not as intensively as the other
four sites. A total of 17 species of frogs were encountered during the survey. Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis had been reported from near the damsite.
Sl. No

Status
Common
Rare
Rare
Common
Rare
Rare
Abundant
Common
Rare
Rare
Common
Common
Common
Rare
Common
Common
Rare

Remarks

Immature

4. Rosemala & Kallar Estates
Rosemala is a cluster of private states located inside the northern part of the Sanctuary, at a distance
of 15 km from Ariyankavu. Kallar Estate is located in
the southern part of the sancturay. Both Rosemala
and Kallar lie on two sides of the Thenmala dam
reservoir. Much of the surrounding forests are partially degraded, but still hold strong for amphibians.
Recent developmental activities within the estate
An analysis of earlier records and the present
areas can be promlematic for the survival of frogs. survey reveals the presence of at least 45 speDespite disturbances, we recorded 18 spp. here.
cies of frogs in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
Sl. No
Species
Status
Remarks
Of the total 45 species we recorded, 38 (84%) are
1 Duttaphrynus melanostictus
Common
2 Duttaphrynus parietalis
Common
strictly endemic to the Western Ghats and among
3 Pedostibes tuberculatus
Rare
the endemics, > 40% are regionally endemic to the
4 Hylarana temporalis
Rare
5 Hylarana aurantiaca
Rare
Agasthyamalai Hills. New species described as late
6 Indirana sp.
Common
as 2011, such as Raorchestes crustai, R. agasthyaen7 Indirana sp.
Rare
8 Micrixalus fuscus
Abundant
Breeding
sis, R. johnceei, R. manohari and Nyctibatrachus pillai
9 Nyctibatrachus aliciae
Common
10 Nyctibatrachus beddomii
Rare
are well represented in the sanctuary. Species such
11 Nyctibatrachus sp.
Rare
as R. manohari and R. chalazodes are reed associated
12 Pseudophilautus kani
Common
13 Raorchestes nerostagona
Common
species, both of which were recorded in the sanctu14 Raorchestes chotta
Common
ary during our survey in 2008.
15 Raorchestes ochlandrae
Rare
16 Rhacophorus malabaricus
Common
The frog communities of Shendurney WLS are
17 Polypedates maculatus
Common
18 Polypedates psuedocruciger
Common
exceptionally diverse and the sanctuary and surrounding regions can qualify to be among the richest protected areas for amphibians in the entire
country. Hence, the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
should merit the highest form of protection to safeguard this incredible diversity, to help carry over its
rich amphibian legacy into the future. Threats such
as tourism initiatives, road development, the running of piggeries and poultry farms as exist inside
the sanctuary limits today; all must be controlled.
Such domesticated livestock often serve as vectors
for disease pathogens which can affect wild species.
We recommend that any activity that is not oriented
towards the conservation of the sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wildlife,
Plantations dominate both Rosemala and Kallar
whether it be plants or animals, should never be enEstates, fringed by forest. Photo: Robin Abraham
tertained within the sanctuaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boundaries.